Question

What are male and female sex hormones? Describe their structure and function.

Answer 1

Sex hormones are essential in sexual development and reproduction. It is secreted by adrenal glands and gonads. These hormones are secreted by testes in males and ovaries in females.

Complete answer:
To answer the question we must know sex hormones in males and females.

The male sex hormone: The testes produce androgens called the testosterone which is steroidal in nature. It helps in the development of secondary sexual characteristics like body hairs, increased body mass and to produce sperms. It also helps in development of testes and prostate.
It is a steroid which belongs to the androstane class and contains a keto and hydroxyl groups at the 3rd and 17th position.

Female Sex hormones - The ovaries secrete estrogens and progesterone. They are responsible for secondary sexual characters and prepare females for childbirth.

Estrogen- It consists of aromatic rings and two –OH groups. It is a derivative of cholesterol and is similar to testosterone in structure. The function of estrogen is it helps in growth of the uterus and vagina at the time of puberty. It also helps in egg maturation. Both the hormones are responsible for the development of breasts and for uterine cycle.

Progesterone is secreted after ovulation. It prepares the uterus for implantation and also helps in complete shedding of endometrium during menstruation. It is a naturally occurring pregnanesteroid. It has a double bond between C4 and C5 position and two ketone groups at C3, C20.

Note: The sex hormones not only affect sexual function but also bones, brain and blood vessel. They also elevate mood, cognitive behaviour, blood pressure regulation, motor coordination, pain and opioid sensitivity.